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Diploma of Counselling

Gain Effective Counselling Skills

Take the first step towards a rewarding career in counselling with this nationally recognised diploma.

You'll gain counselling and communication skills that you can use in your existing role, and learn how to support people through difficult situations. This diploma is suitable if you're working in HR or management, or seeking a career in areas such as:

  • family support services
  • not-for-profit community organisations
  • government agencies
  • community health centres
  • outreach services
  • residential services
  • refugee support services
  • women's health centres

Delivered by the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP), this course focuses on experiential learning, so you emerge job ready with skills you can apply immediately.

Quick Course Guide
Qualification
Diploma
Modules
9
Study time
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent. Enquire now for upcoming start dates or to enrol
Student support
Comprehensive support
Delivery method
Flexible - on campus in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, or online
Pre-requisites
Work experience + HSC or relevant qualification or mature age
Delivered by
ACAP
Finance options
VET FEE-HELP available

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Pre-requisites for This Course

To enrol in this course, you need at least one year of work experience* and:

* Please note: Work experience in any industry will qualify.


Diploma of Counselling Course Structure

There are 9 modules in this course - 8 core and 1 elective.

Module Competencies

Facilitating the Counselling Process

CHCCSL501A Work within a structured counselling process
CHCCSL503A Facilitate the counselling relationship

Counselling Interview Skills

CHCSL502A Apply personality and developmental theories
CHCCSL505A Apply theories in counselling

Counselling Theories

CHCCSL204A Apply personality and developmental theories
CHCCSL505A Apply theories in counselling

Support Clients

CHCCLS508A Apply counselling therapies to address a range of client issues
CHCCSL507A Support clients in decision making processes

Responsible Ethical Counselling

CHCCSL508A Apply legal and ethical responsibilities in counselling practice
CHCCS514A Recognise and respond to individuals at risk

Cultural Diversity and Workplace Legislation

HLTHIR403B Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
HLTHIR404B Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
HLTOHS300A Contribute to OHS processes

Monitor Case Management

CHCCM503C Develop, facilitate and monitor all aspects of case management

Improve Counselling Skills

CHCCSL509A Reflect and improve upon counselling skills

Elective Modules
Choose either module below:

Module Competencies

Recognise and Respond to Domestic and Family Violence

CHCDFV301A Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
CHCDFV402C Manage own professional development in responding to domestic and family violence

Support Clients with Problem Gambling Issues

CHCGNB502A Assess the needs of clients with problem gambling issues
CHCGMB503A Provide counselling for clients with problem gambling issues

Upon completion, you may apply for admission into ACAP's Bachelor of Applied Social Science with advanced standing equivalent to 8 modules.


Be Job Ready

Classes for this counselling course are small and interactive, and focus on hands-on learning. The curriculum is developed and updated in consultation with industry, so you are work ready upon completion and able to apply your skills immediately in your personal and professional life.

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Flexible Learning Methods

To help fit your study around your lifestyle, work and family commitments, we provide a choice of learning methods:

  • On campus in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide
    Interactive and lively classes; maximum of 20 students per class
  • Online
    Log on and learn from anywhere in the world; all you need is regular computer and Internet access
  • Summer School
    Intensive study option for busy students or those who want to complete their studies sooner

Flexible & Affordable Study

Flexibility and support were the reasons I chose ACAP. Choice of class times means I can continue to work full-time and the government loan scheme helps pay my fees.

Malcolm Breen

You can select a different study method for each module you enrol in. If you choose to study online, you'll need to attend three days of compulsory case management workshops on campus in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant for more information about the different study methods available and enrolment dates.


Study Now, Pay as You Earn

This course is eligible for VET FEE-HELP. Almost every Australian citizen is eligible for Government assistance through the FEE-HELP program. This means you do not have to pay anything upfront, but can pay for your course as you earn.

Contact a SEEK Learning consultant to find out more about how you can study now and pay as you earn with VET FEE-HELP.

This course is also Austudy and Abstudy-accredited.

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Practical Assessments, Not Exams

There are no exams for this counselling course. As ACAP values experiential learning, the College uses assessments to determine if learning outcomes have been achieved.

ACAP's assessments combine both theory and practice, and can take the form of interviews, videotaped role-plays, self-critiques, essays, journals, projects and presentations. Most modules contain two to three assessments.


Exceptional Student Support

A wide range of student support is available:

In addition, if you study online, you'll have access to a dedicated support person by phone or email.

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About ACAP

ACAP is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and a leading Higher Education Provider (HEP) in applied psychology. ACAP educators are highly experienced practitioners with current industry knowledge.

ACAP has a respected reputation and an extensive network in the community services sector. Through ACAP, you gain the skills to really understand, connect with and help people around you.

Find out more about ACAP.

Get Started Now!

Get Started now

to get more information or enrol


Free Call 0800 170 252

9am - 5.30pm AEST Mon - Fri to speak to a SEEK Learning consultant

Affordable Study

This course qualifies for VET FEE-HELP, meaning you can study now and pay as you earn. Enquire now.


Course Providers Include: